Calm Mediterranean waters in recent days has seen an upsurge in crossing attempts. Another boat carrying 90 people successfully landed further down the Sicilian coast in Syracuse. Authorities said a migrant boat had never attempted landing in Catania, suggesting it had lost its way.

Lampedusa, Italy

October 3, 2013 7:20AM

A boat capsized on its way to the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, the target destination of many asylum seekers from Africa. The boat originated in Libya and most of the passengers are believed to come from Eritrea and Somalia. At least 359 people died, and 155 people were rescued.

The European Commission -- the executive and lawmaking arm of the European Union -- will propose a search-and-rescue mission running from Cyprus to Spain that will try to track and intercept migrant boats from North Africa. The mission would be carried out by Frontex, the EU's external border agency.